Scripture:
“Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor-bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” 1 Samuel 14:6 NLT
Observation:
Jonathan did not know whether it would be God’s will to go up against the Philistines. He had faith in the Lord that whatever God’s will was, God can win regardless of many or few warriors. God’s power will make up for well over the difference and there is no resisting Him.
We may feel like the odds are stacked up against us, we may feel we are the weakest and have the least resources so that stops us from taking steps in faith that God can do something.
Application:
Our assignment is to obey the Lord and to live by faith. What is something I feel God is calling me to do but I have stopped because I was doubtful and felt like I didn’t have enough of something? What is something that God may be directing me to do but because I am too (fill in the blank) that it prevents me from taking steps in faith? It is natural to be afraid but that should not keep us from moving forward in faith. Great people in the Bible like Moses, Gideon, Abraham, Peter, and others had their faith tested and even put up excuses why they could not obey the Lord, but they were able to take steps to move past and fulfill the duty that God had for them. We may not do everything right but praise God we have His Power that can make up for what we are lacking. Like Paul says earlier, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” Let us trust that His plans are wonderful and amazing and can overcome our excuses.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We have so many examples of faith that did not start off very faithful. Thank you for your patience with our excuses for not being able to do something or obey your word. We come before you and repent of times we have let excuses override what You would like to do in our lives. Please allow us to remember the times you have done amazing feats in times when we felt weak and powerless or outnumbered. We thank you for loving us so much that you chose to make up for our failures, and weaknesses. Thank you Jesus for loving us and for still choosing to sacrifice yourself for us. Thank you! We change our hearts to be like Jonathan’s and confess that nothing can hinder you! You can win any battle regardless with a few or many! Thank you! We love you and ask of this in your Name, Jesus! Amen!
